Documentary Roundtable DC: How Filmmakers Can Engage with State and Local Policymakers

The Documentary Roundtable is a joint program of Docs In Progress and Women and Film and Video. These free meetings switch off between Washington DC and Silver Spring. The Washington DC meetings are organized by Women in Film and Video and are focused on getting expert advice on topics related to documentary filmmaking. The Silver Spring meetings are organized by Docs In Progress and focused on peer feedback. Both meetings include time for networking.

All Documentary Roundtable meetings are FREE for WIFV members and Docs Insiders, and $10 for all others. This is a great way to get to know others in the DC-area documentary filmmaking community, build your network and know-how, and find out about other offerings of these two organizations.

Tonight's program is organized and facilitated by Randi Cohen.

TONIGHT'S TOPIC

How Filmmakers Can Engage with State and Local Policymakers

​Caty Borum Chattoo and Will Jenkins will present their new report Movies & Grassroots Community Engagement: Documentary Films & State and Local Public Policy in the United States. The report provides inside perspectives from policymakers, filmmakers and advocacy leaders who have successfully contributed to shifting or creating policy agendas on the state and local levels, with the help of documentary films. Building on the findings of their first spotlight on federal policymaking, When Movies Go to Washington, this report offers documentary film teams and advocates tips for engagement in the state and local arenas. Because federal policy change may not be the most strategic option at a given time, a fuller understanding of state and local policymaking processes can widen opportunities for engagement on issues that matter.A huge thanks to Interface Media Group for hosting this event!

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Caty Borum Chattoo, director of the Center for Media & Social Impact, an innovation lab and research center based at American University's School of Communication in Washington, DC, is a documentary producer, scholar, professor and communication strategist focused on social change. Her documentary credits include Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, Stand Up Planet (starring Hasan Minhaj), The After Party and more. Her film MIXED is currently in production, with co-director Leena Jayaswal.

Will Jenkins has more than 15 years of communications and policy ​experience at the White House, the Department of Health and Human Services, Congress and international nonprofit organizations. Over the years, he has also worked with filmmakers and media producers across the country on stories that engage public policy issues.

SCHEDULE

6:30 PM - 7:00 PM - Networking

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Presentation and Q&A

FEES

$10 for general public.Free for WIFV Members and Docs In Progress Docs Insiders Premium Members. WIFV members should be logged into WIFV website to register online. Docs Insiders can use same promo code you use for Docs In Progress programs)

Women in Film & Video (WIFV) is dedicated to advancing the career development and achievement for professionals working in all areas of screen-based media and related disciplines. WIFV supports women in the industry by promoting equal opportunities, encouraging professional development, serving as an information network, and educating the public about women’s creative and technical achievements.